• Q: What are some must-visit attractions in Copley Square?
    • A: Visitors can explore Copley Square, which is known for its beautiful parks and historic landmarks.
  • Q: What are some famous outdoor attractions in the area?
    • A: Popular outdoor destinations include Castle Island, George's Island, and other well-known scenic spots.
  • Q: What are some family-friendly attractions?
    • A: Families can enjoy attractions like the Mapparium, the New England Aquarium, and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.

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1. Copley Square


Copley Square

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  • Q: What is Copley Square?
    • A: Located in the heart of the city, Copley Square is a public square dedicated to native Bostonian artist John Singleton Copley.
  • Q: What was Copley Square previously called?
    • A: The square was known as Art Square until 1883.
  • Q: What activities and attractions can be found at Copley Square?
    • A: The square is a favorite gathering place, featuring outdoor markets, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live entertainment.
  • Q: What notable buildings surround Copley Square?
    • A: The square is surrounded by several architecturally significant buildings, including:
      • Trinity Church
      • Old South Church
      • Boston Public Library
      • John Hancock Tower
      • Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
      • Bostix Kiosk
  • Q: What is Copley Square's connection to the Boston Marathon?
    • A: The world-renowned Boston Marathon finishes in Copley Square, where a memorial celebrating the race is located at the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth Streets.

560 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

2. Castle Island


Castle Island

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  • Q: What is Castle Island?
    • A: Located on the southern shore of Boston’s Harbor, Castle Island is a 22-acre urban park that extends from the mainland.
  • Q: What historic landmark is located on Castle Island?
    • A: The island is home to Fort Independence, a granite fort built between 1834 and 1851, featuring five pentagonal-shaped bastions.
  • Q: How is Castle Island connected to the mainland?
    • A: The island is connected to the mainland by pathways accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles.
  • Q: What beaches are located on Castle Island?
    • A: The island features three beaches:
      • Carson Beach
      • M Street Beach
      • Pleasure Bay
    • These beaches form a three-mile segment along the shoreline of Dorchester Bay and offer beautiful views of the area.
  • Q: What amenities are available on Castle Island?
    • A: The island and beaches offer modern amenities, including:
      • A rehabilitated Mothers' Rest
      • Public restrooms
      • Exhibition spaces
      • Outdoor courtyards for relaxation and recreation
  • Q: What activities are available along Carson Beach?
    • A: Carson Beach features a promenade that runs from Castle Island to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, where visitors can walk, jog, run, and bike while enjoying the views.
  • Q: When is Castle Island open to the public?
    • A: Castle Island is open year-round, with guided tours available every Saturday and Sunday.

2010 Day Boulevard, South Boston 02127, 617-727-5290

3. The Mapparium


The Mapparium

© The Mapparium

  • Q: What is the Mapparium?
    • A: The Mapparium is a three-story tall globe located at the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston, Massachusetts as an active exhibit.
  • Q: What is the Mapparium made of?
    • A: The globe is made out of stained glass and can be viewed from a 30-foot-long bridge that runs through its interior.
  • Q: What is the purpose of the Mapparium?
    • A: The goal of the exhibit is to take individuals to the middle of the world and provide an inner look at the political climate of 1935 when Rand McNally created the political maps displayed in the globe.
  • Q: What additional features does the exhibit include?
    • A: In addition to the globe, there is a video presentation that incorporates music, LED lighting, and spoken words to illustrate how ideas have traveled across time and geographic borders.

200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, 617-450-7000

4. Boston Ballet


Boston Ballet

© Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake; photo by Rosalie O’Connor

  • Q: What is Boston Ballet?
    • A: Boston Ballet is a professional classical ballet company with a world-renowned reputation, founded in 1963.
  • Q: Who founded Boston Ballet?
    • A: The company was founded by E. Virginia Williams and Sydney Leonard.
  • Q: Who are the current artistic and executive directors?
    • A: Boston Ballet is currently under the artistic direction of Mikko Nissinen and the executive direction of Meredith (Max) Hodges.
  • Q: What types of performances does Boston Ballet present?
    • A: The company's repertoire includes classical, neo-classical, and contemporary works, ranging from full-length story ballets to masterworks, new works, and world premieres by contemporary choreographers.

539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, 617-695-6955

5. TD Garden


TD Garden

© TD Garden

  • Q: What is TD Garden?
    • A: TD Garden (nicknamed the Boston Garden) is a multi-purpose arena that hosts a variety of sporting events, including basketball and ice hockey.
  • Q: Who owns the naming rights to TD Garden?
    • A: The arena is named after its sponsor, TD Bank.
  • Q: Which teams call TD Garden home?
    • A: The arena is home to the NHL’s Boston Bruins and the NBA’s Boston Celtics.
  • Q: What types of events are hosted at TD Garden?
    • A: In addition to hockey and basketball tournaments, TD Garden hosts over 200 other events each year, including:
      • Concerts
      • Sporting events
      • Family shows
      • Wrestling matches
      • Ice shows
  • Q: What are some of the key features of TD Garden?
    • A: The state-of-the-art arena has a seating capacity of 19,600 and is fully equipped with:
      • Three private restaurants
      • 90 executive suites
      • A multi-million dollar high-definition video scoreboard
      • Complete 360-degree LED technology
  • Q: How many people visit TD Garden annually?
    • A: The arena hosts up to 3.5 million people each year.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114, 617-624-1050

6. The Shops at Prudential Center


The Shops at Prudential Center

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  • Q: What is The Shops at Prudential Center?
  • Q: What types of stores can be found at The Shops at Prudential Center?
    • A: The center features a range of high-end boutique shops, specialty retailers, and luxury brands, including:
      • Saks Fifth Avenue
      • Lord & Taylor
      • LaCoste
      • Sephora
      • Club Monaco
  • Q: What dining options are available at The Shops at Prudential Center?
    • A: The center offers a variety of restaurants and cafés, ranging from casual to fine dining. Examples include:
      • Wagamama
      • 5 Napkin Burger
  • Q: Is there a place of worship inside The Shops at Prudential Center?
    • A: Yes, a fully functioning Roman Catholic chapel known as St. Francis Chapel is located inside the shopping center.
  • Q: What entertainment options are available from the center?
    • A: The center is a departure point for several family-friendly entertainment tours, including:
      • Boston Duck Tours
      • Old Town Trolley Tours
      • Skywalk Observatory

800 Boylston Street Prudential Tower, Boston, MA 02199-8142, 617-859-0648

7. New England Aquarium


New England Aquarium

© New England Aquarium

  • Q: What is the New England Aquarium?
    • A: The New England Aquarium offers both an educational and entertaining experience focused on various types of sea animals.
  • Q: What types of animals can be seen at the aquarium?
    • A: The aquarium has over thirteen different exhibits showcasing:
      • Sea turtles
      • Anacondas
      • Fish
      • Seals
      • Penguins
      • Whales
      • Sea-dragons
  • Q: Are there interactive exhibits at the New England Aquarium?
    • A: Yes, the aquarium features several interactive exhibits, including the new turtle exhibit, which provides a learning experience on diagnosing, rehabilitating, and treating this endangered species.
  • Q: What educational programs does the aquarium offer?
    • A: The aquarium offers a variety of programs, classes, and lectures for members, adults, and families interested in learning about conservation and the impact of climate change.
  • Q: How long has the New England Aquarium been open?
    • A: The New England Aquarium has been educating the public for over forty years since opening its doors in 1969.
  • Q: What is the aquarium’s role in ocean conservation?
    • A: The New England Aquarium is a global leader in both ocean exploration and marine conservation.

1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, 617-973-5200

8. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy


Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

© Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

  • Q: What is the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy?
  • Q: How is the park maintained?
    • A: The park follows an organic and sustainable management program, meaning that no chemicals or pesticides are used, ensuring a safe environment for visitors and animals.
  • Q: What amenities does the park offer?
    • A: The park features:
      • Free Wi-Fi networks
      • Food trucks and carts
      • A carousel for children
  • Q: Are there water features in the park?
    • A: Yes, the park has seven different water features that visitors can use to cool off during the summer months.
  • Q: What kind of events take place in the park?
    • A: The park hosts free events throughout the year, including:
      • An open farmer’s market
      • Concerts

185 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111, 617-292-0020

9. Boston Symphony Orchestra


Boston Symphony Orchestra

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  • Q: What is the Boston Symphony Orchestra?
    • A: The Boston Symphony Orchestra is a world-renowned symphony that has played an important role in Boston’s cultural history since its inaugural concert on October 22, 1881.
  • Q: How long has the Boston Symphony Orchestra been performing?
    • A: The orchestra has performed for 132 seasons.
  • Q: Can visitors take a tour of Symphony Hall?
    • A: Yes, visitors can enjoy a free guided tour of Symphony Hall to learn about the history and traditions of the orchestra, its musicians, conductors, and its supporters.
  • Q: Are there opportunities to see rehearsals?
    • A: Yes, lucky visitors may be able to get tickets to an open rehearsal, where they can witness the dynamics between the conductor and orchestra.
  • Q: Does the Boston Symphony Orchestra have a full event calendar?
    • A: Yes, the orchestra offers a full calendar of events, ensuring there is something for everyone’s tastes.
  • Q: What composers can be heard at performances?
    • A: After a day of exploring Boston, visitors can relax to the sounds of Beethoven, Lash, and many other composers.

301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston 02115, 617-266-1492

10. Trinity Church


Trinity Church

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  • Q: What is Trinity Church?
    • A: Trinity Church is one of the most recognized buildings in America, known for its unique architecture and historical significance.
  • Q: Who designed Trinity Church and when was it built?
    • A: The church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and constructed in 1872.
  • Q: What is the architectural style of Trinity Church?
    • A: The building takes the form of a modified Greek Cross with a central tower that stands 211 feet (64 meters) tall, from which four arms extend.
  • Q: What are the key features of Trinity Church’s interior?
    • A: The interiors showcase more than 21,500 square feet of richly colored murals, completed entirely by American artists.
  • Q: Who designed the stained glass windows in Trinity Church?
    • A: The stained glass windows were designed by William Morris.
  • Q: Where is Trinity Church located?
    • A: The church is situated in Copley Square in the Back Bay area of Boston.
  • Q: What religious role does Trinity Church serve?
    • A: Trinity Church is the parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.
  • Q: Does Trinity Church have a choir?
    • A: Yes, it is home to several renowned choirs, including the Trinity Choir and the Trinity Chamber Choir.

206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, 617-536-0944

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